Match Preview
This season's Levain Cup has already been decided with the group stage elimination. However, the fact that many young players have been utilized in the five matches so far and have gained experience on the professional stage is "positive news," says coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA. "Losing the matches is frustrating, but if we were able to promote the growth of young players instead, we can say that there has been a significant gain in the long run," says coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA. Whether to treat the remaining match as a mere formality or as an opportunity for further growth will make a big difference in the experience gained.
In the final match, Tokyo will face Fukuoka, who defeated them 1-5 in Sec. 11 of the J1 League on May 3. The team organized by head coach Shigetoshi HASEBE, in his third year, will look for opportunities with solid defense while aiming for quick counterattacks. Tokyo aims to control the ball and avoid the risk of counterattacks, while effectively exploiting the gap between Fukuoka's midfield and defensive line to break through for a goal.
For Tokyo, who are on a three-game losing streak in the league, this match is also one that requires results and performances to boost the team's momentum. Attention is on the performance of the "fresh power" that will give Tokyo a tailwind.
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: Players registered as Type 2 participated in the practice.
A, I think their presence is important, and I believe there should be a stronger connection with the academy. The second team for the top team is the youth team. In that sense, if there are players performing well there, even in the junior youth category, I think they can be called up to the top team. Regarding tomorrow's match, we have been competing in the Levain Cup in the same way this season, but I want to give more young players the opportunity to play.
Q: I heard that this season, Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's concept for the top team has been integrated into the U-18 team as well. Does that mean it is easier to incorporate?
A, I believe that a professional football club must focus on development, and it is essential to train in the same direction as the top team. Otherwise, there is no point in having an academy, and its existence becomes meaningless. The top team's strengthening department should comprehensively organize both the top team and the academy as the strengthening department of the entire club. When the club establishes a new system and clarifies its direction, it is necessary to unify not only the top team but also the academy to promote a specific playing style. Currently, the academy is moving in the same direction as the top team, which makes things easier. Moving in the same direction that we are currently working on is the normal approach, and any other method is the exception. The organization of a professional football club's academy is not a place for the responsible coaches to express their playing styles freely. There must be staff who express a playing style that aligns with the club's direction.
Q: What is your perspective on tomorrow's match?
A, it is the same as before. I believe that the role of the Levain Cup this season is to serve as a place for each player, especially young players, to grow. In addition, I want to utilize it as an opportunity for players who have not been able to get much playing time to regain their game sense. It is difficult to evaluate the talent and potential of young players without seeing them play in official matches, so I also want to use it as a platform to assess their latent abilities and possibilities. I think that is what we should focus on in the Levain Cup this season. Given that we are trying to clearly change our playing style this season, it is quite challenging to win in all competitions, and we are seeking to approach the Levain Cup in the manner I just described. Additionally, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic at the beginning of this season, we have been forced to compete in the Levain Cup in its current form.
Q: How do you view the U-18 players in Tokyo from the perspective of Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, considering that academy players like Renta HIGASHI and Kanta DOI participated in the practice?
A, I think the quality is high. Our top team players are also trying to adapt to the change in playing style. The U-18 players also need to continue to make a little more effort to adapt, and I believe there is room for improvement in their focus on winning. What they need to do is to express and showcase whether they have a hungry spirit or ambition on the pitch. I expect bold plays. I always say this, but I am not concerned at all about the mistakes of young players. Rather, if there are young players who do not take risks and play boldly, I think that is a bigger problem.
Q: How is Morishige's condition?
Thanks to everyone, I have finally joined the team practice and am in a condition to participate in official matches. Based on today's training condition, I want to gradually improve my condition by confirming how much I can play or if I cannot play at all. The league matches will continue with a tight schedule starting this weekend, so I hope to contribute positively to the team during that time. After that, there will be a short break, so I expect Henrique to be able to return as well. Makoto OKAZAKI's knee condition is not necessarily good, but it is not in a very bad situation either. There is a high possibility that he will return to the team soon.
[Player Interview]
<Shuto OKANIWA>
Q: What differences did you feel when you moved up to the top team compared to college and professional levels?
A, first of all, I felt the difference in the level of each player. Each player's characteristics are distinct, and many have plays and skills that cannot be imitated by others, so I think that is a significant difference between college and professional levels.
Q: I think you have been practicing a new soccer style since the camp, but have you understood the tactics?
A, it was easy to understand and absorb information because we often analyze footage from the camp. It was also easier for individuals to make adjustments. I think it is efficient and beneficial for the team to make corrections as well.
Q: I think there are many players who serve as role models for side backs, but is there anything you feel during practice?
I thought it was important to stick to my own style. Of course, there are things that the coach is looking for and tactics to consider, but I believe it's also important to value the things that are essential to me as an individual. That is the part I feel the most when playing with other players or observing them.
Q: What preparations have you made so far for the final match of the Levain Cup?
A, it's really difficult because I never know when an opportunity will come, but I have been working hard believing that an opportunity will come someday. Including that aspect, I want to make sure to achieve results here.
Q: What kind of play do you want to show if you participate in the match?
I want to cherish my individuality, so I want to focus on aspects such as my work rate, positive attitude, and running up the sides to deliver crosses while playing.
Q: What is necessary to seize the opportunity in this match?
As a team, we will build our attacks while maintaining possession of the ball, so I will play with the mindset of not easily losing the ball. Among that, I want to make proactive and positive choices to add an accent to the team’s play. My characteristic is to rush forward and get involved in scoring, so I believe that if I focus more on that, it will lead to future success.
Q: You have probably come to watch matches at Ajinomoto Stadium many times as an academy graduate. Now that you have the chance to finally step onto the pitch as a professional, what are your thoughts?
A, I haven't been able to play at Ajinomoto Stadium yet, including last season, so I'm really looking forward to it in that sense. I believe many fans and supporters will come, so I definitely want to win and share the victory together with everyone.
<Kashif BANGNAGANDE>
Q: You underwent surgery on your right knee last October and experienced a long-term absence of about 6 months. You finally returned to action in the Levain Cup match against Shonan on April 13. How is your current condition?
A, I really enjoy soccer right now. I haven't been away from soccer for even six months, so I'm happy to be able to live a life centered around soccer again. My game sense and physical sharpness are not yet at 100 percent, but I even enjoy the feeling of physical strain.
Q: How did you spend the time when you couldn't play soccer?
After the surgery, I felt down. For the first two or three months, I was on crutches and it was difficult to live a normal life, so I didn't want to think about soccer at that time. However, as I gradually recovered, I focused on strengthening my inner muscles, which had been my challenge, while working hard on rehabilitation. Now, I am told that my body has become bigger than before my injury, and I feel that my contact play has also improved. I believe this is the result of the strengthening I did during the time I couldn't play soccer.
Q: Are you adapting smoothly to the new playing style that Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA is seeking?
I have gotten used to the speed of play, but I am still in the trial-and-error stage. However, I believe I can still improve the frequency and quality of my offensive participation, so I want to challenge myself more in actual matches and showcase my strengths.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for the upcoming Levain Cup match against Fukuoka.
Although we have been eliminated from the group stage of the Levain Cup, I believe it is important for players with fewer opportunities in the league, including myself, to show what kind of play we can deliver. We suffered a frustrating defeat against Fukuoka in the league match in May, so I want to challenge myself and fight fiercely for revenge. Thank you for your support!
